Soap drama Hollyoaks is set to introduce a new storyline, preparing a dark twist of events for two young characters to highlight exploitation. The Channel 4 programme will introduce a criminal gang who will go about grooming two teen characters, Frankie and Dillon. The best friends will be treated to an 'extravagant' lifestyle by the gang, finding themselves in a dangerous situation when they realise the difficult world they've been trapped in. Eventually, the teen pair will become subject to sexual and criminal exploitation themselves.
Character Frankie Osborne has recently experienced Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA) from her twin brother JJ, clearly leaving a residual effect where she is vulnerable to grooming. Closest friend, Dillon, has faced difficulties understanding his sexuality and has also been left vulnerable by the lack of support from his parents. Recent episodes have shown an older Rex take romantic interest in Dillon, hoping to gain trust and separate him from his family. Love-bombing the teen, Rex gifts an entire home to Dillon,, Rex gifts the teenager a home, and over time, manipulation leads them to dealing drugs on behalf of Rex. These instances have paved the path for the duo to be sexually exploited.
The Executive Producer of the show, Hannah Cheers said it was "imperative" for the soap to "constantly talk" about the safety concerns of to young people and highlight "ways in which abuse can infiltrate young lives". She called these issues the youth face as "constantly evolving" and claimed the drama to be "in a unique position to shine a light on them, without lecturing, due to the way that the show tells stories". "The research that we have, finds that the exploitation of young people is an insidious problem and growing concern for multi safeguarding agencies.".
Helen Ball, CEO of Causeway, shared its a "privilege for Causeway to have advised and supported Hollyoaks with the development of this storyline" and that the storyline is a "powerful way" to highlight the "youth exploitation in the UK - a topic that is often misunderstood". "People can be shocked to discover how prevalent exploitation is in our communities" said Ball. Likely to be referring to the reoccurring grooming gang cases circulating, she added that its "up and down the UK," taking "many different forms" and targeting "many different people". "Men, women, adults and children can all find themselves trapped in exploitative situations".
They are "two of the most common forms of modern slavery in the UK" - both featuring in the new storyline. So far, it has "been rare for survivors of criminal and sexual exploitation to have their stories told at a mainstream level" says Ball, who continues to add that the dark plot "will build greater allyship, care, support and understanding for the brave survivors who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, these awful crimes".
Hollyoaks is available from 7am Monday to Wednesday on Channel 4 for streaming, or live on E4 at 7pm. Rape and sexual abuse * If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999. If you are 18 or under and have been affected by this story, you can contact Childline, confidentially on 0800 1111. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline by phoning 0808 800 500 or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
